Stress Center Peer Support

I have ben doing well the past while, with only an occasional panic attack around my monthly time, but seems like it is coming back with a vengence.

I have been under stress worrying about my teenage daughter who, I found out, has been cutting herself. I have been to a Psychologist, who is going to get my daughter some help, and who is counselling me with everything, but I find I am having a lot of bodily symptoms, such as back, neck and shoulder pain, heartburn, muscle cramps, blood pressure spikes, and tonight I went to reach for something with my right hand, and got a sharp (super sharp) pain in my chest, right at the sternum.

I, of course, went immediately into panic mode thinking that a heart attack was ensuing, but luckily it passed or I would not be here typing this post.

Has anyone had a sharp pain in their sternum before? I can't figure out why it happened, other than I have such muscle tension all over with the stress.

Need some reassurance that this too shall pass, feel like I am spiraling down the black hole again, and I sure don't want that.

Thanks all for listening and any replies are appreciated.

Reply

Ok, this is the first time I've bothered with the website but I've got 9 years experience with these problems. I used the "program" for a few months explicitly about 2 years ago and then pretty much went it on my own. I haven't been on any medication in about a year now. I have months with virtually no issue whatsoever, but in very high stress times I do still have my moments. I've found that the peak times for me (naturally, being male!) are around meal time. Now, on to your post -
The body symptoms were always the worst for me. Simply put - pure tension. I've had a few instances of the sharp pains that you describe and they turned out to be pinched nerves, muscle twitches, etc. BUT if you haven't had a physical in awhile (I'm betting you're pretty well checked up on, being one of us anxious folks) you might do it just to be safe.
As for reassurance - you said it yourself, "this too shall pass". I don't know how good of advice it is for everyone, but I use the rough times and thrill seeking as part of my self-therapy. The thinking is "I went thru ____ and I was fine, I'm fine now." It works great for me since I went on my first rollercoaster ride (wooden even) during a stint off meds about 5 years into my panic attacks, and my mother just passed away this past year after I got off the meds. Also, this being my first post, some random advice as well: Physical activity was a HUGE help with my problems. I took up bike riding (mountain biking actually - 7 mile trails) when I was stepping down my meds and have continued since. I find that days when I have little to no physical activity are and have always been the toughest. Work it out.

Wyn
Texas